Student perspectives of infusing digital technology in preclinical Prosthetic technique course

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the undergraduate students’ various perspectives with the exposure to the CAD/CAM digital exercises prior to the hands-on/manual techniques. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the students’ perspective on the implementation of the CAD/CAM exercise. It will contain evaluative statements that students could agree or disagree with the statements based on a five-point Likert scale. Data from the questionnaires were captured and analysed. Descriptive Statistics and the analysis with a chi-square test for nominal data were performed. All tests were deemed statistically significant at p<0.05. Results: The motivation category the “cumulative improvement in confidence” of 78% and the “cumulative agreement” between students (69%) determined that the use of CAD/CAM software “would prepare them for future dental practice” was well received by 26% being unsure of the preparatory effect. This result of the “confidence for future practice” compared to the inclusion of the CAD/CAM software to “prepare the students for the future practice” was in agreement with the non-significant result of the chi-square test of independence agreed, p=0.0909482. The results from the “handling category” for the “ease of software use”, there was a majority in agreement (53%) and students who strongly agree (29%). Conclusions: The infusion of technology into a pre-clinical course will allow the students to get an objective and repeatable evaluation of the software. The student then has the ability to develop their own judgement skills while building their confidence for the digital set-up learning journey. Based on the responses the CAD/CAM software should be extended into other full upper and lower denture procedures during senior years.